ncaa-footballSeptember 30, 2015 2:11pm EDTSeptember 30, 2015 1:31pm EDTTommy Armstrong Jr. is Nebraska's offense, but C.J. Beathard has Iowa at 4-0 for the first time since 2009. Who leads the Big Ten MVP race?

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Before the season, Ohio State's wealth of offensive weapons was supposed to make the Heisman race a scarlet-and-grey skirmish. That isn't looking the case anymore — neither Cardale Jones nor J.T. Barrett are top 10 passers in the Big Ten and Joey Bosa hasn't instilled fear in opposing quarterbacks all season.

But the surprising 4-0 teams — Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern — each have a star player whose contributions have vaulted it to the top of the standings. Forget Jones and Barrett; these guys are your leading Big Ten MVP candidates.

10WR Aaron Burbridge, Michigan State

What he's done: Burbridge has 24 catches for 405 yards and four touchdowns and has well over three times more receiving yards (121) that Michigan State's next-best receiver.

MVP argument: Easily the Big Ten's best receiver, Burbridge has enjoyed a breakout year — he had just one 100-yard game before this year. Michigan State's offense becomes one-dimensional without the Connor Cook-Burbridge duo, making the senior a valuable asset for the Spartans.

9DE Chris Wormley, Michigan

What he's done: Wormley has seven tackles for loss (third in the Big Ten) and a sack this season.

MVP argument:Welcome back, Michigan defense. The Wolverines allow just 204 yards per game (best in the Big Ten and second in the nation) and give up just 83 yards on the ground. Where does that start? The trenches. Wormley is the leader there.

8RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern

What he's done: Jackson has rushed 118 times for 516 yards and a touchdown. His latest effort, a 184-yard day against Ball State, was a career-best.

MVP argument: Though he's not a scorer, the sophomore is Northwestern's biggest offensive weapon in a run-first system that leads the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (265). Jackson is responsible for half of that production (129 yards per game).

7DE Carl Nassib, Penn State

What he's done: Nassib, a former walk-on, leads the nation in sacks (7) and has 21 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception to boot.

MVP argument: Penn State has found consistency in its defense after a rough all-around game against Temple in the season opener. The Nittany Lions allow 90 yards per game on the ground, much thanks to Nassib and the defensive line winning the battle in the trenches. His rise from walk-on to defensive leader shouldn't be overlooked, either.

6QB Connor Cook, Michigan State

What he's done: The senior has thrown for 868 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception, including a four-score performance against Air Force.

MVP argument: Cook is the second part of the QB-WR duo that has done so well for the Spartans. The defense hasn't held up its side of the bargain very well this season, so it's been on the senior to lead the team to win games. He's done exactly that.

5RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

What he's done: The junior has carried the ball 77 times for 455 yards and five touchdowns and has broken the 100-yard barrier in each game this season.

MVP argument: For all the preseason Heisman hype Ohio State's three offensive weapons received, only one has delivered. Elliott's numbers haven't been flashy, but he's been consistent — exactly what the Buckeyes need with the ongoing quarterback battle.

4LB Anthony Walker, Northwestern

What he's done: Walker is third in the Big Ten in tackles (41) and tackles for loss (7) and is the overwhelming leader of the Northwestern defense thanks to a monster 19-tackle game against Duke.

MVP argument: Without Walker, the Wildcats would be hurting. Northwestern has vaulted into the national conversation because of its defense, one that allows just 8.8 points per game (third in the nation and first in the Big Ten). He gets the nod over Burbridge, whose Spartan defense hasn't lived up to the hype.

3RB Jordan Howard, Indiana

What he's done: Howard leads the nation with 675 rushing yards on the season, giving Indiana — which leads the conference with 522 yards per game — a two-dimensional attack. He has four rushing touchdowns, and his season average (168.8) is second in the nation to some guy named Leonard Fournette.

MVP argument: Indiana isn't 4-0 without Howard. The UAB transfer beat Southern Indiana in the opener with his go-ahead score with 58 seconds left and carries the Hoosiers' offense when quarterback Nate Sudfeld's arm needs a break. So soon have Indiana fans forgotten about Tevin Coleman.

2QB C.J. Beathard, Iowa

What he's done: Beathard has thrown for 962 yards and six touchdowns on the season, completing 68 percent of his passes.

MVP argument: No Rudock, no problem. Beathard has revitalized the Iowa offense, leading them to 38 points per game and a 4-0 record for the first time since 2009. He is the poised pro-style quarterback that Kirk Ferentz can groom into something special.

1QB Tommy Armstrong Jr., Nebraska

What he's done: Armstrong is the Big Ten's top passer with 11 touchdowns (sixth nationally) and 1,266 passing yards (eighth nationally). He had a hand in every one of Nebraska's touchdowns in the 23-point fourth-quarter comeback against Miami (Fla.) and outdueled BYU's Taysom Hill in the opener.

MVP argument: The junior is accountable for two-thirds of Nebraska's total yards (1,384 of 2,078) and touchdowns (12 of 18). That's a lot. Despite the 2-2 record, this man carries the team.